This seminar explores the field of community organizing in action.
What is a community organizer? According to veteran organizer Edward T. Chambers, “Organizers are agitators, catalysts, and public-life coaches. They stand for the whole. They make things happen. They are rooted in the holy books, democracy’s founding documents, and the lives of public heroines and heroes . . . They are public people who seek collective power to act for justice . . . Organizing means an endless search for talent, passion, vision and the ability to relate to other people.” Roots for Radicals, 2006.
Students are invited to experience the field of community organizing through engaging leaders from neighborhood organizations and faith communities who are actively confronting injustice and oppression. Students will analyze the contemporary situation of Midwest urban neighborhoods (Chicago, Indianapolis and South Bend), understand the role of churches influencing systems and structures, dialogue and build relationships with leaders, and participate in live social action campaigns. This experience and skillset will equip students to be agents of change by organizing for justice in their respective communities.
Class dates:
Five Wednesdays, 5:00–7:30 p.m.; September 19 and 26, October 3 and 10, November 14
One Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; October 27 or November 3
Fall break, October 17–20
Jay Caponigro
Final Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 11:59 p.m.
- Application process consists of two parts: (1) completed application and (2) possible interviews (you will be notified about interviews via email).
- You cannot register for the seminar until you receive registration information from Seminars staff.
- Notification of seminar placement will happen between August 27 and August 31, 2018.
- If you are not selected for participation in your first choice of seminars, you will be given the opportunity to participate in another seminar if there is still availability.
- There is no admittance into the seminar after the first seminar class.
- By submitting the application, you confirm you are in good academic standing.
- With questions about your application, email seminars@nd.edu.